Austin, September 6, 2025
News Summary
The Texas Department of Public Safety celebrated the graduation of 104 new state troopers, marking a significant step in enhancing law enforcement across Texas. Class B-2025, composed entirely of individuals with prior law enforcement experience, completed their training in just 14 weeks. DPS Director Steve McCraw announced his retirement during the ceremony, highlighting both achievements and criticisms faced during his tenure, especially regarding responses to critical incidents like the Uvalde school shooting. Recruitment challenges persist for law enforcement agencies statewide.
AUSTIN, Texas – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) held a graduation ceremony on Friday, swearing in 104 new state troopers as part of the agency’s continuing efforts to bolster law enforcement in the state. This event marked the 179th graduating class from the DPS Academy and was notably the second graduation ceremony in the past month.
This new class, designated B-2025, is distinctive in that it comprises entirely of individuals who already have prior law enforcement experience. Due to their previous backgrounds, the training period for this class was significantly reduced from the standard 30 weeks to just 14 weeks. DPS officials described the B-2025 class as the most experienced cohort to ever graduate from the academy, which reflects in the rigorous selection process that narrowed down the finalists from approximately 1,200 applicants.
The new troopers are set to commence their duties on September 28th, enhancing law enforcement capabilities across Texas.
During the graduation ceremony, DPS Director Steve McCraw announced his retirement, effective at the end of the year. McCraw, who has led Texas law enforcement for the past 15 years, has played a prominent role during several high-profile incidents, including the tragic Uvalde school shooting. His tenure has stirred both commendation and criticism, particularly relating to law enforcement’s response in critical moments.
Governor Greg Abbott acknowledged McCraw’s leadership throughout a tumultuous period marked by significant challenges, including a rise in illegal border crossings and issues related to local police funding. Critics, however, have pointed to controversial aspects of his leadership, especially regarding the DPS response to the Uvalde shooting, where officers waited 77 minutes before confronting the attacker.
Concerns surrounding the DPS’s actions during the Uvalde tragedy have spurred criticism from victims’ families and accountability advocates. Some lawmakers, including state senator Roland Gutierrez, accused McCraw of participating in a potential cover-up regarding the event’s details.
The DPS operates with a substantial operational budget of $2.3 billion, employing over 11,700 staff throughout its various divisions, including the Texas Rangers, drug enforcement sections, and highway patrol. Despite the DPS’s recent recruitments, the majority of law enforcement in Texas, especially in city departments, continues to encounter recruitment challenges.
The Austin Police Department (APD), for instance, is currently facing over 200 officer vacancies. The department anticipates graduating just over 60 new officers this month while struggling to attract candidates due to a competitive job market nationwide. With increasing retirements and resignations, APD has lost an average of 10 to 15 officers per month. In response, the department is pursuing innovative recruitment strategies such as offering housing stipends, signing bonuses, and fostering enhanced contracts for officers.
To counteract workforce shortages, APD is planning multiple concurrent cadet classes and remains optimistic about inviting new recruits into their ranks.
Summary of Key Events
- 104 new state troopers sworn in at DPS graduation.
- Director Steve McCraw announced his retirement effective year-end.
- Training for new troopers condensed due to prior experience.
- DPS continues to face scrutiny over response to Uvalde school shooting.
- Austin Police Department facing significant recruitment challenges.
FAQ
How many new state troopers graduated from the Texas DPS ceremony?
104 new state troopers graduated from the Texas DPS ceremony.
Why was the training for class B-2025 shorter than usual?
The training was condensed to 14 weeks due to the graduates’ prior law enforcement experience.
What did Steve McCraw announce during the graduation?
Steve McCraw announced his retirement effective at the end of the year after 15 years of service.
What are the recruitment challenges facing the Austin Police Department?
The Austin Police Department is facing over 200 officer vacancies and struggles to attract candidates nationwide.
What measures is the Austin Police Department taking to address its officer shortages?
The APD is exploring housing stipends, signing bonuses, improved contracts, and planning multiple cadet classes to bring in new recruits.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Graduation Count | 104 new state troopers |
| Class Designation | B-2025 |
| Training Duration | 14 weeks |
| Previous Applications | 1,200 applicants |
| DP Budget | $2.3 billion |
| APD Vacancies | Over 200 officer vacancies |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Texas State Capitol Evacuated Due to Active Shooter Threat
Texas Democrats Return Amid Redistricting Controversy
Texas Democrats Return to Capitol After Walkout
Community Honors First Responders at Benefit Event in Austin
Benefit Concert for Central Texas First Responders
Man Arrested for Threatening Texas State Lawmakers
Suspect Arrested After Threats Against Texas Lawmakers
Massive ‘No Kings’ Protest Takes Over Austin
Nationwide Protests Mark ‘No Kings Day’ Against Authoritarianism
Austin Prepares for Nationwide Anti-ICE Protests
Additional Resources
- CBS Austin: Texas DPS Graduates 104 Seasoned Troopers
- Wikipedia: Texas Department of Public Safety
- Dallas News: Texas DPS Chief Steve McCraw Announces Retirement
- Google Search: Steve McCraw retirement
- CBS Austin: Law Enforcement Agencies Face Recruitment Challenges
- Google Scholar: Law enforcement recruitment
- Statesman: Steve McCraw Retires from Texas DPS
- Encyclopedia Britannica: DPS Texas
- ABC 13: Texas DPS Trooper’s Legacy
- Google News: Texas DPS trooper legacy
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
